As I completed and submitted my final financial disclosure for this election season, I thought it would be appropriate to also submit a personal disclosure Р just so everyone knows where I am coming from.

I love Centerville. I am a fourth generation resident, and have loved Centerville all my life. This is why my heart has grown so heavy in recent weeks. The credibility of the leaders of my beloved city has been tarnished. Can I work with people who have violated my trust? Yes. But the open, trusting relationship I had hoped for has been compromised.

As I see it now, there are two sets of rules in Centerville. There are the ones on the books, and there are the “members only” ones. Some examples of this follow.

I can site exceptions made in enforcement of the political sign ordinance, in particular. Also, the telephone number was incorrectly listed for candidate and current council member Larry Wright, making it hard for voters to call him and ask questions.

In addition, the mayor and four of the five council members sent out a letter to city residents detailing combined support for Paul Cutler, Tami Fillmore and Jack Dellastatious. The letter cast aspersions on the character and qualifications of the other candidates.

A letter from the city recorder said campaign disclosure statements would be accepted only on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29. But there were exceptions to this rule that were accepted.

Centerville City, I am so terribly disappointed in the events surrounding this election, but I am pleased to serve your citizens in an effort to restore your good name. I know that some of these issues have probably been perpetuated over several years, without anyone challenging the direction you were drifting. Let’s work together to resolve the many issues that have been brought to light during this election, and continue forward being much more upright, precise and transparent in both the letter and the spirit of the law. As I stated on my campaign brochure, Centerville’s future is as bright as we make it together.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Ivie

Centerville

(Editor’s Note: This letter was edited due to its extreme length and lack of space to print it in its entirety.)